Page 44 of Victorious Vice

I take a deep breath. Robbie really is a great sister. She’s taking on all of this without question. It’s nothing overly complicated, but it’s a lot of busywork, and she already has her hands full on the ranch as one of our veterinarians.

“Anything else, Ray?”

“I think that’s it for now. Just shoot me a text if you have any questions. Thanks so much, Robbie. You’re really saving my ass here.”

“You’rethe one who’s going to be saving asses, Ray. I’m just doing what I can to help. I’ll head over to Lorraine’s right now. Love you, bye.”

“Love you too.” I end the call.

Okay. Next is Emily herself. I dial her number.

“This is Emily.”

“Hey Emily. It’s Raven Bellamy.”

“Raven, yes! I was about to call you and check in on your plans for the gala.”

I sigh. “That’s what I’m calling about. I’ve been ordered by the doctors to go on bed rest for the next few weeks before the gala. I already have my sister helping take care of some of the arrangements, but I’m afraid I’m going to need a little extra help from you. I’ll be compensating you for your time, of course.”

She laughs. “Raven, I’m happy to do the workpro bono. This is a great cause. I’m so sorry to hear you’re not feeling well, though.”

“I’ll live.”

At least, I hope I will.

“What can I help you with?”

“The guest list, mainly. Most of the people I’ve invited will be coming, but I have a few empty seats I’d like filled. Do you have any…philanthropic contacts?”

“I know quite a few. Including some whose lives have been touched by cancer. I’m happy to make some calls.”

“Good, thank you. I’d also like to arrange a silent auction.”

“Wonderful idea. My firm has contacts with plenty of local businesses who would be willing to donate items or packages. In fact…” Her keyboard clicks in the background. “An old mentor of mine in Colorado has some pull with Steel Vinyards on the Western Slope. I bet we could get them to donate something.”

“Wonderful. If you don’t mind making those calls on behalf of the foundation, I’d really appreciate it.”

“It would be my pleasure, Raven. And while I have you, have you managed to find a doctor who would be interested in joining the board?”

I smile. “That’s my next call.”

“Perfect. Take care, Raven. Again, I’m so sorry to hear you’re under the weather.”

My stomach twists. All the lies.

“Like I said, I’ll live.”

“I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’ll start making calls right now. Talk to you later.”

“Sounds good. Bye.”

The call ends.

My next call is to Landon Michaels, an oncologist who works at the hospital I was treated in. He and I never worked together, which means he would have less of a conflict of interest. I call his office.

“Dr. Michaels’s office. This is Sherri speaking.”

“Hi, Sherri. Is Dr. Michaels available? I’d like to speak with him.”

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